Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Pensioners Joint Struggle Committee has issued a warning to the state government, saying any move to freeze Dearness Allowance (DA) or delay arrears in the wake of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) closure will trigger a statewide agitation.
At an emergency virtual meeting chaired by Committee Chairman Suresh Thakur, members expressed sharp resentment over the financial presentation made by the Finance Department. They alleged that suggestions given by the Principal Finance Secretary are against the interests of pensioners and employees.
Suresh Thakur said that pensioners cannot be made scapegoats for the state’s financial crisis. He warned that if the government does not call the committee for talks within a week, pensioners will stage a protest in Shimla on February 17 and 18. A massive rally is also planned on the first day of the Budget Session, followed by daily demonstrations.
The committee also opposed any reported proposal to cut funds under Himcare, Sahara Yojana and social security pensions. It demanded immediate release of pending gratuity, leave encashment, commutation and revised pension dues for retirees from January 1, 2016 to January 31, 2022.
Among key demands are release of 13% DA, payment of 146 months’ arrears, timely pension to HRTC pensioners, OPS benefits to electricity board employees, and ₹15 crore for clearing medical bills.
The committee further announced that a delegation will meet the Governor on February 18 to submit a memorandum and raise concerns over
